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Some Lawmakers Calling for Botox Restrictions

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Staff Writer

Though Botox is readily available, some legislators are calling for restrictions on who should be allowed to administer treatment and to whom.

Botox is already a controlled substance, but in practice this means that only someone with a medical license can order the product. There are very few limitations on who can administer the shots, and while the injections are not particularly dangerous except in rare instances, a poorly placed injection can cause undesirable side effects.

Botox has made waves across the country and around the world. In China, it is frequently and openly administered by beauty parlors with no training or qualifications, which has led to widespread calls for stricter controls. Last year, the UK considered implementing tighter regulation on Botox, but this was ultimately dismissed for being too expensive to enforce.

Stateside, Botox regulation has become a hot topic in Texas and New Jersey, as politicians, doctors, and concerned citizens worry that the lack of controls is endangering many patients. The Texas Medical Board has considered making changes to the rules about who can perform cosmetic procedures involving prescription medications. This would include injectable fillers.

In New Jersey, legislators have introduced a bill that would ban Botox for minors, except in cases where a doctor affirms that the treatment is medically necessary. Before it became a popular cosmetic procedure, Botox was (and continues to be) used for a variety of medical purposes, including the treatment of certain migraines and cerebral palsy symptoms.

Botox regulation is supported by many people who fear that unscrupulous providers are capitalizing on the treatment’s rising popularity without taking into account the safety and ethical issues involved. You should always make sure that your Botox is being administered by an accredited professional with years of experience. Only these providers are qualified to target specific facial muscles and deliver predictable results with consistency.

Posted in Cosmetic Injections | Tagged Botox | Leave a comment

Patients Increasingly Choosing Smaller Breast Implants

Posted on July 4, 2011 by Staff Writer

Women place great importance on their breasts and now more women are choosing to showcase a more natural-looking breast with smaller implants than before.

Celebrities who have downsized in recent years allegedly include Denise Richards, Victoria Beckham, Drew Barrymore, and Jordan. Taken together they represent a trend toward breast implants being smaller than was previously fashionable.

More everyday women are hopping on the bandwagon, tired of having breast implants that are too large for their bodies, according to CBS News health reporter Stephanie Stahl.

What are some reasons that women might be downsizing their breast implants?

They may not want or need extra attention toward their breasts.
Misalignment and capsular contracture made the implants look unnatural.
Women want to look and feel more natural and comfortable.
Large breasts make it more difficult to exercise or perform other physical activities.
Overly large breasts have been associated with back problems.

While surgery to reduce implant size involves exchanging one implant for another. Risks of the surgery are similar to regular augmentation surgery, but the recovery time is typically shorter.

Harriet Bleiman, a breast implant reduction patient who spoke with CBS, loves her reduced bust size. “I just feel like this is the right proportion for me… I liked them at the beginning, and after a couple of years they felt like two large, standing out, almost cantaloupes, and that made me very uncomfortable.”

Now, Harriet says, it actually feels as if having a smaller breast size has helped everything from her self-confidence to her golf game.

Posted in Breast Surgery | Tagged breast augmentation | Leave a comment

FDA Releases New Findings on Silicone Implant Safety

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Staff Writer

Since completing a study of silicone implant safety, the FDA has released its results, which will be welcomed news for patients and cosmetic surgeons.

After conducting an in-depth study of silicone implant safety, the FDA has confirmed that silicone gel implants “have a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness when used as labeled.” For consumers, this means silicone gel implant augmentations performed by a trusted cosmetic surgeon, and maintained as instructed, should present no extreme health issues for the patient.

The FDA’s silicone implant safety study also debunked a rumor that silicone breast implants share an association with “connective tissue disease, breast cancer, or reproductive problems.” Based on current data, the FDA said there is no detected connection.

Long-Term Silicone Implant Safety Tips

Women who are considering silicone breast implants should note that though breast implants are long-lasting, no such implant will last a lifetime. Over the course of her life, a woman who has gotten breast implants will likely need to have them replaced.

Patients will need to monitor their silicone gel implants over time and note any signs of complication to their surgeon. Some women may experience a hardening of tissue around the breast, called capsular contracture, or may have a revision or removal surgery.

Silicone implant safety monitoring also extends to visiting your doctor for screenings. Periodic MRIs can detect a “silent rupture” of the implant, which the patient may not be aware of. As an added precaution for women both with and without silicone gel implants, it is important to continue regular mammograms, as directed by your doctor.

Silicone gel implants are used not only for breast augmentation, but often as a part of breast lift surgeries, as well.

Posted in Breast Surgery | Tagged silicone implant safety | Leave a comment

Dysport for Crow’s Feet Finds Success in Study

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Staff Writer

A recent study examining Dysport for crow’s feet found that a majority of patients prefer it to other botulinum-based injectables, according to HealthDay News.

Dysport for Crow’s Feet: How Does It Fare?

The study, which was conducted at the University of California and published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, used 90 adults, mostly women, to compare their preference for Dysport or similar injectable Botox. Each patient was injected with 10 units of Botox on one side of their face at their crow’s feet, while the other side was injected with 30 units of Dysport for crow’s feet. None of the participants had ever undergone facial surgery, nor had they used a botulinum-based injectable in the previous six months.

One month after they had been treated, the patients were asked to compare their appearance with their facial muscles contracted to photos taken before being treated. According to the study, two-thirds of the patients said they preferred the wrinkle protection provided by Dysport for crow’s feet. With their faces relaxed, the patients generally noted no difference between the treatments.

How Does Dysport for Crow’s Feet Compare to Botox?

While for treating crow’s feet, Dysport may have garnered more patient preference, the authors of the study are quick to note that other injection sites on the face were not tested. For example, botulinum injectables are often used to treat forehead wrinkles, lines around the mouth and sometimes those signs of aging on the neck. Additionally, Dysport and Botox are not interchangeable and contain different formulations of botulinum, which should be considered when contemplating treatment.

When you visit cosmetic surgeon Dr. Pretro for non-surgical wrinkle treatments, be sure to share your aesthetic goals so she can suggest the best treatment for your needs.

Posted in Cosmetic Injections, Skin Care | Tagged dysport crows feet | Leave a comment

Makeup Wakeup: Revitalizing Your Look at Any Age

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Staff Writer

Patients who have undergone a facelift or brow lift are often ecstatic about the results, but may not know makeup techniques to help showcase their younger appearance. The authors of Makeup Wakeup: Revitalizing Your Look at Any Age, are determined to help these women, among others.

With Makeup Wakeup, written by Lois Joy Johnson and Sandy Linter, the authors say their goal was to “write a beauty guide we’d read ourselves, one that solved the kinds of issues women face every day.”

Makeup Wakeup, which is targeted at women over 40 aims to provide tips and tricks to combat common signs of aging. Additionally, the authors consulted with surgeons about combining makeup with both cosmetic surgeries and non-surgical treatments.

The authors have a strong pedigree—Johnson was a co-founding editor of More magazine and Linter is a makeup artist for many celebrities.

The book’s release party, which was held last month was attended by several noted celebrities, including Blondie singer Debbie Harry, who is featured in the book. The foreword was written by Better Midler.

Industry experts and professionals are taking note of Makeup Wakeup. A review on Oprah.com said the book is “full of sharp advice” and pointed out the unique makeup buying tips it features.

Makeup Wakeup is available nationwide and is published by Running Press.

Posted in Cosmetic Injections, Facial Surgery, Skin Care | Tagged bette midler, debbie harry, makeup wakeup | Leave a comment

Fat Grafting Surgery: Why You May Want Extra Fat

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Staff Writer

While you may visit your cosmetic surgeon to remove stubborn fat deposits, you may not want that fat to go too far, according to FOX News.

Insight on Growing Trend in Cosmetic Surgery: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

Fat grafting surgery, which is an alternative to somewhat more involved implant procedures, uses stubborn fat deposits from a harvest site on the patient’s own body. This may include the stomach, thighs, flanks or another site.

Once the fat has been removed through liposuction, it is purified. Using a thin needle, your cosmetic surgeon then injects it into the chosen site.

Your own purified fat can be placed through fat grafting surgery in many areas of the body, like the buttocks or breasts to provide projection and fullness, or to fill dimples. However, one of the most popular sites for fat grafting surgery is the face. When facial fat grafting is performed, your own purified fat can fill deep lines and wrinkles. This is an alternative to dermal fillers for those who would prefer a more natural option.

As a bonus to fat grafting surgery, the downtime is minimal, often less than what it would be for an implant procedure. It is also a long-lasting alternative, after the fat graft has been accepting in the new location by your body.

Posted in Body Surgery, Breast Surgery, Cosmetic Injections, Facial Surgery | Tagged facial fat grafting, fat grafting surgery | Leave a comment

Chin Surgery Interest Grows After Palin’s Corrective Jaw Procedure

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Staff Writer

“Corrective jaw surgery” gave Bristol Palin not only a better aligned jaw, but some cosmetic improvements, as well, according to Us Weekly.

Though Palin said she underwent the procedure to help align her jaw and teeth, her appearance is now more streamlined. Palin said because of the surgery she looks more mature and has less of a “chubby little baby face.”

Women, as well as men, who wish to improve the projection of their chins actually have several cosmetic options. Though Palin said she chose surgery for medical reasons, the aesthetic improvements that can be made include permanent chin implants as well as more temporary options like fillers.

By augmenting the shape and projection of the chin, your facial features can be streamlined and harmony between your chin and other prominent facial features can be improved.

Chin augmentation with an implant can add projection to an underdeveloped chin. In this procedure, an alloplastic implant is placed in front of the jaw through an incision under the chin or inside the mouth.

For patients whose chin is only slightly underdeveloped, a dermal filler may be used to fill out its shape, though this is only a temporary solution.

In addition to these procedures to augment the chin, your other facial features can be modified surgically to improve facial harmony. These procedures may include other facial implants (like the cheeks or jaw), lip augmentation or rhinoplasty, to reshape the nose. Additionally, neck liposuction may create a more refined jawline and chin.

Posted in Cosmetic Injections, Facial Surgery | Tagged chin augmentation, Chin surgery, dermal fillers, facial implants, neck liposuction, nose surgery, rhinoplasty | Leave a comment

HA Fillers May Improve Your Sex Life, Researchers Say

Posted on May 16, 2011 by April

The safety and effectiveness of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Restylane and Juvederm have made these injectables extremely popular in the U.S. for a number of different uses since they were respectively FDA approved for wrinkle treatment in 2003 and 2006.

Today, products from the Restylane and Juvederm families of HA fillers are used in cosmetic medicine for everything from wrinkle treatment, lip augmentation, chin and cheek augmentation, hand rejuvenation and non-surgical nose jobs.

But researchers’ experimentation with HA fillers has not stopped at soft tissue enhancement and skin rejuvenation. Most recently, urologists in Korea conducted a study to learn whether HA fillers could correct a sexual health problem that affects an estimated one-third of American men: premature ejaculation.

Although it may seem like an unlikely use for injectable fillers, the researchers who conducted the study theorized that adding volume to the tissues of the glans penis (penile head) using injectable hyaluronic acid would decrease sensitivity in this area and prevent premature ejaculation.

To test this theory, researchers performed glandular augmentation on 65 male patients who suffered from premature ejaculation. This involved injecting 2cc of Perlane, an HA filler in the Restylane family of products, into the penile head.

Six months after treatment, researchers re-evaluated each patient’s ejaculation time, as well as the self-reported satisfaction levels of each patient and their sexual partner.

Post-procedure ejaculation times were found to have increased significantly after penile HA filler injections, and study participants reported a 75% satisfaction rate, while their partners reported a 62% satisfaction rate.

According to study results, glandular augmentation with Perlane proved not only to be an effective treatment for premature ejaculation, but also a relatively safe treatment. The glans penis remained natural without deformity in all patients tested after initial post-injection swelling subsided, and there were no signs of inflammation or reports of serious adverse reactions.

The only downside reported was that glandular augmentation results do not last once the HA filler has been broken down and absorbed by the body. Thus, as with all other HA filler procedures, repeat injections are needed to maintain results.

Posted in Cosmetic Injections | Tagged dermal fillers, hyaluronic acid, Injectable fillers, injections for men, Juvederm, research, Restylane | Leave a comment

Latisse Grows Eyelashes, Hope for Other Uses

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Staff Writer

Eyelash-growing medication Latisse is giving new hope to those who struggle with hair loss in other areas, according to Good Morning America.

Dana Gaiser, a 27-year-old bride-to-be, said thin eyebrows, perhaps caused by too much teenage plucking, have often troubled her. After seeing an ad for Latisse, which grows fuller eyelashes, Dana asked her doctor about her options. While he originally tried to steer her toward more first-step options for hair growth, Dana persisted and her doctor gave her the Latisse prescription.

When applied to upper eyelashes regularly, Latisse prolongs the lash growth phase resulting in longer, fuller-looking lashes. Six weeks after Dana started applying Latisse to her eyebrows, she began seeing growth in previously sparse areas.

“People say eyebrows frame a face, and I really believe that now,” Dana said. “To be able to actually shape them and make them look the way I want, it’s a huge deal.”

These positive results may, in part, be what is spurring Allergan, the manufacturer of Latisse to test its effectiveness in treating brow and scalp hair loss.

If the testing proves successful, Allergan is hoping these current off-label uses for Latisse will gain FDA approval by 2013, according to a company spokeswoman.

Posted in Skin Care | Tagged allergan, eyebrow, eyelashes, hair loss, Latisse | Leave a comment

Ear Pinning Surgery May Prevent Some Bullying

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Staff Writer

Some children now turn to treatments like ear pinning surgery as a means to avoid bullying, according to ABC’s Good Morning America.

Seven-year-old Samantha Shaw struggled with children in her first grade class asking about her protruding and cup ears. Samantha’s mother says she has experienced teasing and probing questions from adults, too, who have asked what happened to her daughter’s ears, calling them “gross.”

The ear pinning surgery Samantha underwent is also known as otoplasty and is performed to correct overly large or protruding ears. By accessing the cartilage, the cosmetic surgeon is able to shape the ears and place them closer to the head. It can be performed on adults and children whose ears are fully developed.

After her surgery, Samantha showed little sign of pain while getting her bandages removed and said she thought the new appearance of her ears was “good.”

Though bullying can have a negative effect on a child, Cheryl Rode who is the director of clinical operations at the San Diego Center for Children, warns about being quick to lay blame on the victim. Rather, she says schools should be responsible for preventing bullying. This reminder just stresses the fact that anyone’s desire for cosmetic surgery, young or mature, should come from within.